09.08.2017, USA.
The usage of white phosphorus contradicts international norms, said the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations Stephane Dujarric on August 7, according to the SANA News Agency.
“I’ve seen the press reports. Obviously, any… if attacks using white phosphorus were to have occurred, they were to be condemned, but I will see from my colleagues on the ground if we have any more information.,” said Dujarric answering the inquiry to comment the usage of white phosphorus against civilians in northern Syria by the US-led international coalition.
The Foreign Ministry of the Syrian Arab Republic has sent documents to the UN Secretary-General and to the Security Council, confirming the airstrikes against the civil objects (in particular, the Raqqa National Hospital) using white phosphorus. The US-led coalition is in serious violation international humanitarian law, the SANA News Agency reports.
A UN Special Commission is conducting an investigation on war crimes on Syrian territory. “As the international community continues to search for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, the Secretary-General reiterates the importance of accountability for crimes against civilians during the conflict,” Stephane Dujarric said.
Recently, Carla Del Ponte, the former Prosecutor of the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has left the Commission. The Commission “does absolutely nothing,” according to Del Ponte. In her interview to the Blick Swiss newspaper, she stated, ”I am frustrated. I give up. I have written a resignation and will send it within the next few days.”
In June, Human Rights Watch claimed to investigate the actions of the “US-led coalition”, which has conducted airstrikes against the Syrian cities causing many civilian casualties.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
